The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit has arrested 33 suspected criminals. They also recovered illegal drugs and dangerous weapons during a raid across parts of Lagos Island and the Lekki area.
The suspects include street urchins, drug dealers, suspected drug users, illegal Okada riders, ticket touts, and other troublemakers. They were picked up during an early morning operation on Monday.
Raheem Gbedeyan, the agency's spokesperson, said in a statement that they recovered items like substances believed to be Tramadol, Indian hemp, Colorado, marijuana, and cannabis. They also seized dangerous tools like cutlasses and scissors.
He mentioned that this operation is part of the ongoing effort against environmental crimes, drug abuse, and other criminal activities in the state.
The statement said, "The early morning operation, conducted on Monday, July 27, 2026, targeted street urchins, miscreants, suspected drug users and dealers, illegal Okada riders, street traders, ticket touts, and other criminals threatening public safety and order."
The operation covered areas like Ikate Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction, and other nearby locations along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. These places had seen noticeable criminal activities.
At the end of the operation, 33 suspects were arrested and several items were recovered. The seized items included substances suspected to be Tramadol, Indian hemp, Colorado, marijuana, and cannabis, along with dangerous items like scissors and cutlasses.
The statement also said that all suspects have been charged in the appropriate courts under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, where it applies.
After the operation, CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, said the agency will keep fighting against crime in the state. He warned that they will continue targeted raids to get rid of criminals and restore order.
"Our mandate is clear. We will keep searching every part of the city to rid Lagos of criminals. Anyone whose actions threaten public peace, environmental safety, or the security of residents will be arrested and face the law," he said.
Akerele encouraged task force officers to maintain the momentum of their operations and work harder to fight crime in the state. He reaffirmed the agency's commitment to intelligence-led enforcement, stating that they will work with other agencies to make Lagos tough for criminals.
"We will stay proactive in our operations. Our goal is to ensure that law-abiding citizens can go about their daily lives without fear, while those who break the law are brought to justice," Akerele added.
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